Most reliable .22?

Now that .22lr seems to be coming back online slowly, but surely, I am considering a plinking .22. I'd like it to be smaller than buckmark/Ruger ii-iii and bigger than 21/PT22. Thoughts on a piece that won't frustrate too much at the range, assuming ammo at the CCI HV level?

The Ruger SR22P is kind of fun, but it may frustrate you if you are expecting to shoot 1" groups at 25 yds. But it is a fine little pistol.

The Sig Mosquito had issues when they first came out and I haven't paid much attention to them since. But they are a nice package.

CZ 75 (I believe that's offered in 22LR), is one that I would like to pickup, but they are pricey.

I have a Ruger Mark II that does pretty much what I need done. Keep wanting to buy a Ruger 22/45 with a bull barrel, but that hasn't happened. But it is about the same size as the Mark III but with a 1911 grip angle.

Whether any of these is "most reliable" is another question.

danez71

June 30, 2013, 11:43 PM

Now that .22lr seems to be coming back online slowly, but surely, I am considering a plinking .22. I'd like it to be smaller than buckmark/Ruger ii-iii and bigger than 21/PT22. Thoughts on a piece that won't frustrate too much at the range, assuming ammo at the CCI HV level?

Thanks in advance for the opinions.

In the size your looking Id say a SR22 and Bersa 22.

I have both and like them both. The Bersa is built on the 380 platform. (over built)

My SR22 is an ammo eater. 100% with all ammo Ive tried.

My Bersa (Firestorrm model actually) have been 100% with CCI mini mag and Blazer but not so much with the really cheap stuff. Others, such as Aarondgraham, has had good luck with the cheap stuff too.

Eb1

June 30, 2013, 11:58 PM

Any action other than automatic.

Read your post other than the entry topic.

The 4" Buckmark would be my pick if they still make them, but I'd have to go with the Bersa if you want smaller. I do not own one, but I own a 380 Thunder from Bersa, and I could not be happier. I do plan on owning a .22 LR Bersa for training if .22 LR ammo becomes more available.

osteodoc08

July 1, 2013, 12:03 AM

M&P22

There are also different sizes for the Ruger Mk line.

Pilot

July 1, 2013, 08:05 AM

I have four Ruger MKII's, and a CZ Kadet, and all function flawlessly except for the occasional dud round when I use bulk ammo. I never get a malfunction with CCI stuff, however. .22's can be very reliable with good ammo.

tubeshooter

July 1, 2013, 09:27 AM

From what you've posted and as some others have responded - a Bersa/Firestorm .22 that isn't picky is what you're describing.

Trouble is, nobody can guarantee that yours won't be picky. Most seem to like CCI (MiniMag/Blazer) fine, and curiously many like Remington Golden Bullet. Past that, all bets are off. Things may improve with use over time.

Fortunately mine is easy to please. I like it, but knowing the finicky nature of the model I don't usually recommend it to others. If a .22 won't shoot most any common bulk, that's a big minus in my book (occasional individual exceptions notwithstanding).

The other route I would recommend is to get a Buckmark and then get the shortest aftermarket barrel I could find, or one from the Micro model. That might end up being a bit more $ than you wanted to put into this, though (understandable). Good luck, whatever you decide.

Olympus

July 1, 2013, 09:41 AM

The Ruger SR22 and Walther P22 are both excellent guns that will fit your criteria.

Fishbed77

July 1, 2013, 10:02 AM

Any action other than automatic.

My Ruger Mark III is just as reliable as my brother's Single Six or my father's Bearcat. The only time any of them ever fail to operate is when the primer fails to ignote, and that's an ammo issue, not a firearm malfunction.

bannockburn

July 1, 2013, 10:11 AM

For me the most reliable small to medium frame semi-auto is my Beretta Model 70S. It has provided exemplary service with every brand of .22LR ammo available for well over 20years now. It is capable of very decent accuracy (primarily with CCI MiniMags), and has been my favorite choice as a kit gun on many a walk through the woods.

usp9

July 1, 2013, 10:59 AM

...a plinking .22. I'd like it to be smaller than buckmark/Ruger ii-iii and bigger than 21/PT22.

Pardini SP. There's a reason you see these almost exclusively in the Olympic rapid fire event.

My Ruger MKII and MKIII are also really reliable, but the Pardini is even better.

Schwing

July 1, 2013, 11:19 AM

One that doesn't come up much is the Beretta Neos. It is about the size of a buckmark but is much less expensive. Mine will eat any ammo I put in it. I don't like the site but a $50 red dot fit the bill for me. It has some different features like right hand magazine ejection button and it looks like a laser tag gun but it is really fun to shoot and is extremely inexpensive. They also make a carbine conversion kit for it. It is really cool but costs around $250.

tubeshooter

July 1, 2013, 11:25 AM

If you are willing to spend the $ and can find one... the Beretta 70-series are very well regarded and would be a good pick for what the OP is describing. I always tend to forget about them.

I don't believe they are available new anymore, although I could be mistaken.

bannockburn

July 1, 2013, 04:48 PM

tubeshooter

The Beretta Model 70S was discontinued in 1985, being replaced in the line-up by the Model 87 Cheetah in 1986. This is my Model 70S which has been well protected for many years by Ron Mahovsky's SS Chromium Metalife hard chrome finish.
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z334/TailoAltera/gunpix1033.jpg (http://s1184.photobucket.com/user/TailoAltera/media/gunpix1033.jpg.html)

almherdfan

July 1, 2013, 04:59 PM

Ruger SR-22 fills that role for me very well.

tubeshooter

July 1, 2013, 05:12 PM

Thanks, bannockburn - for both the clarification info and the picture. Beautiful gun!

The model 87 (non-target) was also well-regarded. Either would be good for the OP. I'm sure they both cost a pretty penny...

Looks like they still make the model 87 Target, but I think it is larger than what the OP was looking for. Also not nearly as handsome of a gun, IMO.

45_auto

July 1, 2013, 05:32 PM

I have a Browning 1911-22 Compact (85% copy of a 1911) that sounds like exactly what you're looking for. Mine has been a great little gun, kids love it, it's super light (less than a pound), and everyone who shoots it won't give it back. It's gone through several thousand rounds of Federal bulk ammo with no hiccups. Only aggravating thing is a magazine safety, but that's easy to get rid of by removing a bump on the back of the trigger.

I've never bothered shooting mine at anything other than cans and steel plates, but American Rifleman did a test on one of the early ones and got groups right around an inch at 20 yards with it.

http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/browning-1911-22-review/

HexHead

July 1, 2013, 05:59 PM

Sig Mosquito. No idea how well they perform.
Everyone I know that had one said it's a jam-o-matic.

pardiniman

July 1, 2013, 06:05 PM

Along the lines of the Browning 1911 and for less $$$ take a look at the GSG 1911
http://gunshero.com/gsg-1911-22-lr/

The best thing is a visit to your local gun store and get them in your hand. Everyones favorite will be suggested but they not be your style . If your at a range shooting and someone is shooting a 22, talk to them most of the time they will let you try theirs. That will speak volumes and you'll either add one to your list or cross one off.
good luck

HexHead

July 1, 2013, 06:49 PM

Have you considered a .22LR revolver? At least you won't be limited to one or two brands of ammo it likes.

jim243

July 1, 2013, 06:54 PM

You may not like the design, but the Beretta Neos has been super reliable for me.

Cut my teeth on autoloaders with a Browning Buckmark. Imho you can't go wrong with that one.

kokapelli

July 1, 2013, 07:26 PM

My Ruger SR22 has been flawless and a lot of fun to shot.

My MKII is ok, but not 100% with all brands.

My Walther P22 was pretty ammo sensitive.

My Barretta was not very reliable at all.

MCgunner

July 1, 2013, 09:53 PM

The Ruger SR22P is kind of fun, but it may frustrate you if you are expecting to shoot 1" groups at 25 yds.

Mine shoots 2" at 25 yards with Federal bulk, doesn't frustrate me. It really isn't a target gun, though, your point I guess. However, it's light and somewhat hard to hit with off hand. That does kinda frustrate me. I do much better with my Mk 2 or my little Rossi revolver, a bit easier to control with the extra weight and, well, they're more accurate, too, which don't hurt. I do much better with the revolver and Federal bulk which shoots the same 2" off the bench. It's the added weight of the gun, I've concluded. THAT gun shoots tiny little 1" groups with the Federal automatch. For some reason, the Rossi really likes automatch. And, of course, being a revolver, it's reliable. I bought 1000 rounds of .22 short when I couldn't get anything else and have been plinking with the Rossi and my old bolt action Remington rifle with shorts. One does what one has to do in these times of scarcity.

I finally found a round the SR22 chokes on, bulk pack Winchester, 333 round pack, I picked up at Midway USA via net last week. It is light, doesn't push the slide back far enough to cock the hammer or eject the spent case. I have the idea that all this Agilla subsonic I've been seeing available might not work to well in the gun, either. The bulk Winchester functions fine in my Mk 2, though, maybe because there's no hammer spring to work against? Don't know, but it functions fine. Might also be the added weight of the gun helps, but I don't limp wrist the SR22 and it works 100 percent with most HV loads including Winchesters that come in the plastic 100 round bulk packs that I got at Academy several months ago. I like the little SR22, but it challenges my patience when plinking. Makes a great fishing kit gun, though, very light and pocketable on fishing trips. Haven't taken any nutria with it, yet, but we've had a lot going on and I haven't taken the boat out since last year. That is my main purpose for the little gun, but plinking is also an activity. Just wish I could shoot the thing better. I'm working on it, but need a bulk pack of Federal as the little gun shoots that stuff the best. I hope the OP's assessment of the ammo situation is right. I have been seeing more ammo online, but it goes fast and much of it is limit of one per customer.

the_skunk

July 1, 2013, 10:11 PM

22 ammo is strictly for plinking - I have a ruger 22/45 and it is a jam-a-matic, 22 hollowpoints lock up on the feed ramp, and the 22 cal rimfire is worthless. And you pay $350 for the ruger

Ammo is expensive now - reliable CCI is harder to find than a 40 yr old virgin in Tijuana

MCgunner

July 1, 2013, 10:20 PM

Well, I haven't been skunked with my Ruger and I paid $275 WITH the scope, mount, and rings. This thing is reliable even with the stuff that chokes my otherwise very reliable SR22 and it's a tack driver.

http://oi39.tinypic.com/2rf9ffc.jpg

22-rimfire

July 1, 2013, 10:25 PM

Gee wizz Skunk, are you opininated or what? 22 rimfire is an excellent small game caliber proven by 100 years of shooting. You might try copper washed solids in your 22/45 and see how it does. But I haven't run into a Ruger yet that is a jamamatic. If you are having lots of jams (I assume feeding issues), I would suggest you get another magazine and try again. Then try adjusting your present magazine. Be sure to clean the gun too while you're at it.

All semi-auto 22's will jam at some point. Often it is because the gun is dirty.

All I have shot in mine have been Federal Lightning/Champion (510B/510's). I feel sure that I will eventually find something it chokes on, but I have a lot of 510's and haven't really done ammo testing with it. It is a little hard to shoot well, which is kind of necessary for a hunting/survival gun. But it's nice and small and easy to carry.

MCgunner

July 1, 2013, 10:49 PM

I was quite happy with Federal 550 round bulk packs, but I don't think they make 'em anymore. I haven't seen a box in 15 walmarts I've been in in the past 8 months. I'm gettin' PISSED at the ammo situation.

I bought this Winchester 333 round bulk pack out of desparation when it came available from Midway. The SR22 HATES it. Oh, well, the Mk 2 eats it like candy and I actually can hit things with it. LOL When someone at Federal decides to offer bulk pack Champion/Lightening again, I'll be all over them. Until then, the SR22 is in the safe. I'm determined to master that little fart!

ColtPythonElite

July 1, 2013, 10:55 PM

I have 5 MK's and shoot them 2+ days a week. All I feed them is 36gr bulk, mostly Federal. Malfunctions are rare. I often go 1k+ round between cleaning.

Tomcat47

July 1, 2013, 11:00 PM

Ruger Sr 22 - 100% reliable with everything I have put in it! It is at about 2000 on round count and very accurate. This has become my favorite 22 for now.. It goes with me everyday!

I just bought a Sig Sauer 1911-22 and am very pleased with it so far... have not run enough rounds through it to say 100% reliable, but so far 100% with anything... under 200 rounds...

Any of the Ruger Mk 1 2 or 3 or 22/45 have always been great accurate pistols in my experience and I have owned all of them. Still own a mark 2! I think these to be some of the most accurate 22 semis...

Another good plinker I had great success with was the 422 and 622 Smith & Wessons... still have a 622

Walther P22 was pretty decent, but as for me the Ruger SR 22 which replaced mine is twice the pistol the Walther was.

Beretta Bobcat (pocket pistol that was 100% reliable)

Others I like and have shot are the Bersa, Browning Buck mark, Beretta Cheetah, Beretta Neos... I am sure there are a lot I am not mentioning.. makes you realize they are a lot of good 22 autos on the market.... :)

bannockburn I Do Love that 70S .... Sweet!

danez71

July 1, 2013, 11:18 PM

Now that .22lr seems to be coming back online slowly, but surely, I am considering a plinking .22. I'd like it to be smaller than buckmark/Ruger ii-iii and bigger than 21/PT22. Thoughts on a piece that won't frustrate too much at the range, assuming ammo at the CCI HV level?

Thanks in advance for the opinions.

I'm reposting the OP to high-light a crucial piece of criteria.

TennJed

July 1, 2013, 11:44 PM

I will suggest a 22 revolver also. For The size you are looking for I think the new Ruger SP101 in 22 would be perfect (or maybe even a ruger bearcat). I hate to try to steer this toward revolvers, but if reliability is what you want well..............

22-rimfire

July 2, 2013, 12:29 AM

Malfunctions are rare. I often go 1k+ round between cleaning.

Me too. But when you start having jamming issues, first thing to do is clean the gun. Then I begin to pay close attention to the ammunition and start switching around to see if there is a preference.

The only one that I put up with jamming is a High Standard Victor that I have owned for a long time. It seems to prefer copper washed ammunition (essentially I think it chokes on the lube after a while).

MCgunner

July 2, 2013, 09:57 AM

Well, one thing about the SR22 is it's easy to strip for cleaning. I don't bother with my Mk2, just clean what I can with the bolt locked back.

22-rimfire

July 2, 2013, 10:12 AM

I have been confusing this thread with the other 22 thread that is going on right now. Thanks for the reminder Danez71. The hunting part is not one of the criteria.

but surely, I am considering a plinking .22. I'd like it to be smaller than buckmark/Ruger ii-iii and bigger than 21/PT22. Thoughts on a piece that won't frustrate too much at the range, assuming ammo at the CCI HV level

I willl have to go with the Ruger SR22P as my recommendation when considering price and functionality.

Walt Sherrill

July 2, 2013, 10:15 AM

A lot of these guns are RELIABLE. The problem is often the ammo, which is much less reliable than the weapons in which it is used. As someone above suggested, start trying different brands to see which works best.

Which ammo is MOST reliable? Not the bargain stuff, to be sure.

jrdolall

July 2, 2013, 11:05 AM

For reliability I have to go with my Ruger MKII as it handles all ammo well. The Buckmark will jam on some cheap bulk ammos but a new spring might solve that issue. I have a Phoenix HP22 that meets the size criteria and is pretty darned reliable. I probably have 1,000 rounds through it with zero problems to date but it will not handle sub sonics. After 2 days I went on Youtube and figured out how to get around the magazine safety lock and it made the gun a favorite range gun. Fairly accurate, cheap and "feels good" in my hand.
I have a couple of revolvers that fit the criteria in that they are slightly smaller than the Browning and Ruger and will, of course shoot anything I have ever put in them.

MIgunguy

July 2, 2013, 11:14 AM

Beretta 71 or 70S

CajunBass

July 2, 2013, 11:26 AM

My Bersa (Firestorrm model actually) have been 100% with CCI mini mag and Blazer but not so much with the really cheap stuff. Others, such as Aarondgraham, has had good luck with the cheap stuff too.

I'll second this one. My experience exactly. The Firestorm my wife had was a good little gun if you didn't mind shooting CCI mini mags. We didn't.

Shmackey

July 2, 2013, 12:24 PM

Once you get past the real .22lr stinkers (I'm looking at you, Walther), reliability problems are usually related to junk ammo (I'm looking at you, Remington), the nature of the rimfire cartridge itself, or a filthy gun.

You might also encounter a gun that runs like a sewing machine with ammo types A, B, and C but won't run with D. If so, you need to decide if that gun is "reliable." The only .22 semiauto pistols I've ever owned that gobbled up every kind of ammo, no matter what, were Rugers.

22-rimfire

July 2, 2013, 12:34 PM

Most people are comfortable with A, B, or C and eliminate D. Yeah... I feel the same way about Walther, and Remingtion ammunition has had its ups and downs. The Sig Mosquito had it share of problems too but I don't know if they ever worked them out.

I still shoot Golden Bullets but mostly in non-semi autos. The new and improved golden bullets seem to be more reliable that past bulk packs. If one has to choose one ammo, I almost always say CCI copper washed HV's.